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Allen could have bright future

By Mike Wilkening
Two days before the Steelers’ season finale, CB Cortez Allen was asked what he would take away from his second NFL campaign.

“I still have a lot of growing to do,” Allen said. “ … There’s still so much to learn.”

More improvement from Allen would be an exciting prospect for the Steelers considering the promise he has shown in 2012.

Allen’s potential was on full display in the Week 16 loss to Cincinnati, when he had a hand in all three Bengals turnovers. He twice intercepted Bengals QB Andy Dalton, and he forced an A.J. Green fumble recovered by S Ryan Clark in Pittsburgh territory. The interceptions were the first of the 24-year-old Allen’s NFL career. Allen shared credit for the takeaways with his teammates, saying that the defense’s collective play “enabled me to make the plays I did.’

Improved technique will be a focus of Allen’s offseason workouts. He figures to be no worse than the Steelers’ third cornerback in 2013, and a starting spot is quite possible, especially if Keenan Lewis departs in free agency.

We may look back and see 2012 as a “bridge” season of sorts for Allen, a campaign where he showed he could be a consistent contributor for an older defense that will need its younger players to continue to step forward.

“I do feel like I’ve progressed a little each week,” Allen said.

Molon labe

People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf. George Orwell

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Lewis looked like a young Ike this season 0 INT's. He should stick around for awhile like Ike I hope. Now Cortez looks like a playmaker better sign him up before he hits the open market in a couple years.

I think the Steelers offer him a nice contract and he stays, especially if they do the same with Wallace.

I agree. The Steelers look as if they have two young corners who could be more than adequate as starters in Lewis and Allen. But for this to happen (signing Lewis), Ike Taylor is going to have to be released. And I think that is the best move...considering the amount over the cap the Steelers are and the fact that Ike will be 33 next season and on the downside of his career.